David G. Handy, Ph.D.

Dave spearheads the team that leads strategic and operational management support for the Experience Corps nationwide network of 17 Program Partners. After graduating from Davidson College, Dave worked in a wilderness-based, therapeutic recreational facility for youth at risk for delinquency. With a deeper appreciation for prevention and the role of systems, Dave earned Master’s (East Carolina University) and Ph.D. (Florida State University) degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, logging over 2,000 clinical hours with families. Prior to joining AARP, David worked with Communities In Schools for 14 years where he built expertise in organizational development, leadership, promoting quality, evidence-based decision making and strategic action. Dave is passionate about helping communities organize around effective solutions to poverty and social injustice.